Most of us have gotten pretty good at spotting the obvious scams. The email with the strange address. The text that says you won a prize you never entered to win. The message that somehow needs your immediate attention at 2:17 A.M.

But scams are getting more convincing, and protecting your information takes more than spotting a suspicious message. October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, making it a good time to look at a few simple habits that can help protect your information and your money.

Know what is happening with your accounts

One of the easiest ways to spot something unusual is to know what your normal account activity looks like. First eAlerts can help by sending timely updates about your account activity through push notifications, text messages, and emails. Using more than one delivery method for important alerts is encouraged, providing an additional way to receive timely account updates.

Give your passwords a little more attention

Using the same password everywhere may be convenient, but it can also create a problem. A compromised password on one website could give a scammer an opportunity to try that same password somewhere else.

Use unique passwords for important accounts, especially your email and financial accounts. A password manager can make it easier to keep track of them, and multifactor authentication adds another layer of protection when it is available.

Slow down when a message creates urgency

"Act now" is a favorite phrase of scammers for a reason. Creating urgency can make it easier to react before you have time to think.

Before clicking a link, opening an attachment or providing information, take a moment to verify the message. Look at who actually sent it, avoid using links in unexpected messages and contact the company directly using a trusted phone number or website if something feels off.

Make the most of your digital banking tools

Your online and mobile banking tools can do more than make banking convenient. First eBanc gives you access to your accounts and transactions, making it easier to keep an eye on your finances. My Cards also gives you tools to monitor debit card activity and manage your card.

You can also use Credit Sense to access your credit score and credit-related information without a hard inquiry. Checking your financial information regularly can help you notice changes that may need a closer look.

Keep your devices in the loop

Your phone and computer are often the keys to your most important accounts, so they deserve some attention, too. Install software and app updates when they become available, use a PIN, password or Face ID to protect your devices, and avoid logging into sensitive accounts on unfamiliar or unsecured networks.

A few minutes can make a difference

You do not need to overhaul your digital life to improve your cybersecurity. Take a few minutes this month to review your passwords, check your alert settings, update your devices and think twice before responding to an unexpected message.

Cybersecurity is built into the everyday choices you make. Small steps can help protect your information and keep you connected to what is happening with your finances.

 

About First Community Bank and Trust
First Community Bank and Trust is a privately-owned bank. Established in 1916 First Community Bank and Trust has been serving Beecher, IL, Peotone, IL and the surrounding communities for over 110 years. Our commitment to providing the best banking products and services is matched only by our outstanding customer service. We offer traditional community banking services, including mortgage, consumer, and commercial lending, as well as state of the art electronic banking services.

Press Contact:
Steve Koehn, Senior Vice President
First Community Bank and Trust
(708) 946-2246

 

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